Damen Naval Celebrate 150 Years of Naval Shipbuilding | Maritime

Damen Naval is set to celebrate two significant milestones in 2025: 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde Shipyard and 25 years as Damen Naval, the naval division of Damen Shipyards Group. Established in 1875 in Vlissingen, the Royal Schelde Shipyard has played a pivotal role in naval shipbuilding in the Netherlands. Over its long history, the company has delivered more than 420 vessels globally, establishing itself as a trusted designer, engineer, builder, integrator, and service provider throughout the lifecycle of naval ships.

Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community

The Royal Schelde Shipyard has a rich legacy rooted in craftsmanship and community engagement. Pioneers like engineer Bruno Tideman and director Joseph van Raalte laid the foundation for modern naval engineering. The shipyard not only focused on industrial innovation but also contributed significantly to the local community by providing jobs and establishing neighborhoods. It was among the first in the Netherlands to introduce occupational health services.

The shipyard’s first major naval contract came in 1878 with the construction of the iron brig-rigged training vessel *Castor* for the Royal Netherlands Navy. This marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership that would shape the shipyard’s future. In 1906, the Royal Schelde achieved another milestone by building HNLMS O.1, the Netherlands’ first submarine. Just four months after its founding, the shipyard received its royal designation, a testament to its enduring contribution to the naval industry. Today, it remains one of the oldest companies still engaged in naval shipbuilding, symbolizing a trusted partnership with the Royal Netherlands Navy.

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Advancements in Naval Capabilities

By the mid-20th century, the Royal Schelde was at the forefront of producing vessels that met the evolving demands of modern naval warfare. The shipyard began constructing guided-missile frigates in the 1970s, including the Tromp-class, designed for command and control. This was followed by the development of standard or S-frigates and M-frigates, which were multipurpose and adapted to NATO’s changing requirements. The shipyard also expanded its offerings to include amphibious ships for rapid deployment and advanced air defense and command frigates.

In 2000, the Royal Schelde became part of Damen Shipyards Group, transitioning to Damen Naval. This merger combined the shipyard’s rich heritage with Damen’s global expertise. In the years that followed, Damen Naval introduced the innovative modular and customizable SIGMA range of frigates. This collaboration has stimulated local industries by enabling countries to construct vessels at their national shipyards. Currently, ten of these frigates are in service with navies worldwide, with an eleventh on the way, showcasing Damen Naval’s commitment to advancing naval capabilities while supporting local economies.